When a car is meant to be driven, and I mean really driven, you can sense it the moment your bum hits the well-upholstered, leather bucket seats. Such was the case for this powerhouse convertible; the 2007 BMW Z4 3.0si. Even as you walk towards this vehicle it begs to be driven; crouched low to the ground, and all wound up at the back as if sprung and ready to take off at any moment.
Feline prowess
From the outside, the Z4 is both demure and flashy -- actually, throughout the week, it became increasingly clear that this car is full of oxymorons and contradictions -- the sloping front end with seductively-curved headlights beckons for the driver to take a seat, and I was more than happy to. Unlike the unmistakably phallic shape of the M3 Coupe, the Z4 maintains its manliness without being rude. The shortly-cropped rear end is both pleasing to the eye and well-engineered with an oh-so subtle spoiler jutting off the trunk.
The aerodynamic style is evident immediately as your eye is drawn to the vehicle's sides, contoured for speed, agility, wind resistance, and aesthetics -- of course. Housed perfectly in the body, just before the doors on each side, are the unmistakable BMW crests -- styled to blend in, while at the same time showcased with pride for those admiring you as you streak past.
Small spaces
As you may have guessed, the interior of the Z4 is anything but roomy. In actual fact, the legroom for both driver and passenger is exceptional -- and of course, with the top down, headroom is phenomenal. The cabin is designed with the driver in mind -- as is usually the case. And while the radio and dials are readily accessible to the passenger as well, changing radio stations and adjusting media volumes directly interferes with the driver's shifting -- not a good thing when the Z4 is being driven. The seats in the Z4 are extremely comfortable with ample room for any size.
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| The Z4 is a car that demands to be driven in a spirited way. |
Feline prowess
From the outside, the Z4 is both demure and flashy -- actually, throughout the week, it became increasingly clear that this car is full of oxymorons and contradictions -- the sloping front end with seductively-curved headlights beckons for the driver to take a seat, and I was more than happy to. Unlike the unmistakably phallic shape of the M3 Coupe, the Z4 maintains its manliness without being rude. The shortly-cropped rear end is both pleasing to the eye and well-engineered with an oh-so subtle spoiler jutting off the trunk.
The aerodynamic style is evident immediately as your eye is drawn to the vehicle's sides, contoured for speed, agility, wind resistance, and aesthetics -- of course. Housed perfectly in the body, just before the doors on each side, are the unmistakable BMW crests -- styled to blend in, while at the same time showcased with pride for those admiring you as you streak past.
Small spaces
As you may have guessed, the interior of the Z4 is anything but roomy. In actual fact, the legroom for both driver and passenger is exceptional -- and of course, with the top down, headroom is phenomenal. The cabin is designed with the driver in mind -- as is usually the case. And while the radio and dials are readily accessible to the passenger as well, changing radio stations and adjusting media volumes directly interferes with the driver's shifting -- not a good thing when the Z4 is being driven. The seats in the Z4 are extremely comfortable with ample room for any size.
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| Headroom (when top is down) and legroom are impressive for such a small car. |